Heritage Barn Rehabilitation Grant Program

The Heritage Barn Rehabilitation Grant Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation as part of the broader Heritage Barn Preservation Initiative established in 2007. This initiative was created to recognize, document, and preserve historic agricultural structures that reflect Washington’s farming heritage. The program operates in partnership with the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, which manages the grant administration, and the Heritage Barn Advisory Committee, which evaluates applications and recommends funding decisions. The initiative also maintains the Washington State Heritage Barn Register, which serves as a prerequisite for eligibility. The primary purpose of the grant program is to provide financial assistance for the stabilization and rehabilitation of designated historic barns and associated agricultural buildings. Funding is intended to support projects that preserve historic character while extending the useful life of these structures. Eligible uses of funds include construction-related expenses such as materials, labor, and structural repairs, including roofs, foundations, framing, and building systems. The program strictly prohibits expenditures on new construction or alterations that compromise the historic integrity of the structure. All funded work must comply with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Rehabilitation of Historic Properties. The program offers approximately $900,000 in total funding for the 2025-2027 biennium, with individual awards of up to $75,000. Grants are provided on a reimbursement basis and require a one-to-one match from applicants, which may include both cash expenditures and in-kind contributions such as labor, materials, or equipment. Applicants must fund the full project upfront and are reimbursed for up to 50 percent of eligible costs upon completion. While planning and soft costs cannot be reimbursed, they may count toward the required match. Eligible applicants include private property owners, nonprofit organizations, and local governments. Leaseholders may apply with authorization from the property owner. To qualify, buildings must be listed on the Washington Heritage Barn Register, the Washington Heritage Register, or the National Register of Historic Places, and must demonstrate a need for substantial repair. Priority is given to barns that remain in active agricultural use, as well as those with significant historical or cultural value. Applications must be submitted through an online form and include detailed information about the property, its historical significance, current condition, and proposed project scope. Applicants are required to provide contractor estimates, project timelines, material specifications, and a completed cash and in-kind match worksheet. Additional required attachments include photographs, documentation of building condition, and proof of eligibility. The application process emphasizes thorough preparation, as submissions must be completed in a single session without the ability to save progress. Applications were due by October 19, 2025 at 11:59 pm. Following submission, applications were reviewed competitively by the Heritage Barn Advisory Committee based on criteria such as urgency of repairs, historical significance, project readiness, and long-term preservation planning. Final funding decisions are made by the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Award notifications are expected by mid-January, and funded projects must begin within one year and be completed by June 30, 2027. Grant recipients are subject to additional requirements, including entering into a preservation easement lasting between five and fifteen years, depending on the award amount. Recipients must maintain the property for at least ten years and provide some level of public benefit, such as visibility or occasional access. For assistance, applicants may contact the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation or the State Architectural Historian for eligibility and application guidance.

Ensure barn is registered before applying; prioritize projects that maintain agricultural use; provide detailed condition assessments and contractor estimates; strictly follow historic preservation standards; complete all required attachments thoroughly